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Credit: DisneyThings are set to change for one of Disney World’s most famous rides.
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A new permit has been filed for Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. The Notice of Commencement lists MLC Theming, Inc. for “general construction” for the entrance/exit building for Space Mountain.
MLC Theming specializes in painting and fabricating facades, carving rockwork, and aging structures. The permit expires on August 11, 2026, so it’s unclear how soon guests can expect to see changes start taking place. It’s unknown what this update means for Space Mountain, though it’s assumed changes are coming for the coaster’s entrance/exterior building.
This is hardly the only change guests can expect to see at the Magic Kingdom soon, with large sections of the park undergoing their own transformations.
The Beak and Barrel, a new Pirates of the Caribbean-themed bar, will open this August at Adventureland. The new bar will operate like Oga’s Cantina at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, letting guests enjoy a set amount of time in the highly themed and immersive location.
In Frontierland, early signs of work can be seen on Piston Peak. This new Cars-themed area will replace Tom Sawyer Island, Liberty Square Riverboat, and Rivers of America, all three of which closed permanently earlier this summer.
When complete, Piston Peak will feature several new attractions and experiences, including an off-road adventure similar to Radiator Springs Racers in Disneyland.
Work continues inside Disney World’s other theme parks, too, with places like DinoLand U.S.A. at Animal Kingdom and Muppets Courtyard at Hollywood Studios also closing earlier this year. Half of DinoLand U.S.A. remains open, but the half that contained Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama closed permanently in January.
DinoLand will be replaced by a new land called “Tropical Americas,” which will house brand-new rides and attractions.
Muppets Courtyard will be replaced with a new land called Monstropolis, which is based on the fictional city seen in Pixar’s Monsters, Inc. (2001).
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Space Mountain is one of the world’s most recognizable and iconic roller coasters, though it was not found at Magic Kingdom on the park’s opening day. While Magic Kingdom and the rest of Walt Disney World opened in 1971, Space Mountain wouldn’t join the resort until 1975.
The 50-year-old coaster was ahead of its time, quite literally, as the technology to create and construct it wasn’t yet available. Disney Imagineers essentially had to wait for things to catch up to build the ride they envisioned.
Eventually, Disney World’s Space Mountain project began, and the rest is history. Today, Space Mountain stands tall as one of Disney’s most popular and unique theme park attractions. Multiple versions of Space Mountain can now be found worldwide, including at Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disney.
Do you enjoy riding Space Mountain? What is your favorite Disney roller coaster?